Chapter 6

~At Xiyan Palace~

Jun Zechen entered the hall with a cold and stern expression. His firm steps and commanding presence radiated an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore.

Miaoyun, Miaoxia, and the others couldn’t help but feel a wave of panic as they noticed his arrival.

The Crown Prince himself had come to Xiyan Palace today, and judging by his expression, he seemed far from pleased.

They hurriedly knelt to greet him.

“Your Highness, we pay our respects. May Your Highness be blessed.”

“Where is the side consort?”

Jun Zechen’s voice was icy, sharp, and intimidating. His piercing gaze felt impossible to meet.

“The mistress is in her bedchamber, but she’s currently—”

Before Miaoyun could finish, Jun Zechen silenced her with a swift wave of his hand, leaving no room for further explanation. He also made it clear that no one was to follow him.

With long, determined strides, he headed straight for the inner chambers.

Meanwhile, Su Jingyao was soaking quietly in a medicinal bath.

Her skin, warmed by the steam, glowed with a soft, rosy hue, as delicate as flower petals.

It was her usual day for a medicinal bath, though the Empress’s earlier summons had delayed her routine.

Her wrist, still sore from her visit to Kunning Palace, made her frown slightly.

Noticing this, Granny Li signaled Miaoyue and Miaoxue to massage Su Jingyao’s wrists, while she focused on carefully massaging her body to ensure the bath’s full effect.

Su Jingyao’s long hair was tied up, and under Granny Li skilled hands, her gaze grew hazy with an unintentional charm.

“Mistress, you’ve been soaking for quite some time. Are you feeling tired?” Granny Li asked gently.

“I feel much better now.”

“Then take a moment to rest, and you can get up soon.”

Su Jingyao nodded softly. Her body always felt weak after a medicinal bath. After sitting for a while to regain her strength, she slowly stood up.

With Miaoyue and Miaoxue carefully supporting her, she stepped out of the tub.

Her bare skin, flawless and radiant like polished jade, gleamed softly in the light.

The dressing area was just outside the small inner door, shielded by a screen. Su Jingyao was used to walking there undressed after bathing to change into her robes.

While Miaoyue and Miaoxue busied themselves with her various ointments, Granny Li meticulously checked the herbs and oils, her expression focused and careful.

Su Jingyao walked toward the small door, about to step out, when she suddenly found herself face-to-face with Jun Zechen, who had stormed in with an angry expression.

Jun Zechen, after entering the bedchamber and finding no one there, had followed the faint sounds deeper into the room.

Su Jingyao, still weak from the bath and massage, was startled by his sudden appearance.

She let out a soft cry, “Ah!” as her body instinctively flinched.

She hadn’t expected Jun Zechen to come, but recalling the Empress’s earlier questions, she wondered if his visit had something to do with that.

A flicker of cunning lit up her eyes. Since the opportunity had come to her, why not make the most out of it?

Her legs seemed to give way, and her body leaned forward as if losing strength.

Caught off guard, Jun Zechen instinctively reached out to catch her. For a brief moment, he froze in surprise, but as she started to slip from his arms, he reflexively tightened his grip around her waist.

Her damp, bare skin was soft and smooth, still glistening with droplets of water.

To keep her from falling, Jun Zechen had to hold her securely.

In doing so, his chest brushed against her soft, supple form, leaving him momentarily stunned.

He hadn’t anticipated that his visit to Xiyan Palace would lead to such an unexpected encounter.

---

Granny Li, Miaoyue, and Miaoxue heard their mistress cry out in surprise and quickly turned around. When they saw the Crown Prince, they were shocked.

“Your servants greet Your Highness. May Your Highness be blessed,” they said, kneeling.

Jun Zechen held Su Jingyao in his arms, his face still full of anger. But in this awkward situation, he didn’t know how to react immediately.

After a moment, he ordered sternly, “Leave. All of you!” His tone left no room for argument.

“Yes, Your Highness,” they replied, bowing and leaving quickly. Before they left, Granny Li glanced at her mistress, worried.

It had been a long time since the Crown Prince had visited Xiyan Palace, and now that he had, he seemed angry. Granny Li’s heart ached for her mistress.

---

Once everyone had left, Su Jingyao bit her lip and pressed her hands against the Crown Prince’s chest, trying to free herself.

However, his grip was too strong for her to break free.

“Your Highness, please let me go,” she said softly.

Her voice was gentle and filled with hurt, her eyes misty with confusion. She couldn’t understand why he was so angry.

Jun Zechen finally snapped out of his thoughts and loosened his hold.

Su Jingyao quickly moved away from him, turning her back to cover herself.

His hands were still damp from touching her, and though he tried to ignore the feeling, his gaze lingered on her.

Her pale, smooth skin seemed to glow, her figure elegant and captivating. Her towel was outside by the screen, leaving her exposed. With no choice, Su Jingyao let her long black hair down.

Her hair fell like a curtain, covering her back and hiding most of her body.

Jun Zechen’s face grew warm. He wanted to look away but found himself unable to move.

Su Jingyao bit her lip and said softly,

“Your Highness, may I go get dressed?”

Hearing her words snapped him out of it. He had come here to confront her, not to get distracted!

He shut his eyes, took a deep breath to calm himself, and then turned to leave the inner chamber.

---

Once she heard him leave, Su Jingyao turned around slowly.

She smiled faintly, almost teasingly.

Men always fall for beauty, don’t they?

She walked gracefully to the screen, picked up her inner robe, and put it on. The robe hugged her shoulders and collarbones, highlighting her delicate features. Then she draped a sheer veil over herself and walked out.

---

When she stepped out, she saw Jun Zechen standing with his back to her, deep in thought.

In a soft voice, she said, “Your servant greets Your Highness.”

He turned to face her. This time, even though she looked stunning, he seemed unaffected.

“Stand,” he said coldly.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” she replied, bowing slightly.

“You’re quite skilled, Su Side Consort,” he said, his voice sharp and sarcastic.

Su Jingyao looked confused, her wide, innocent eyes full of questions. She didn’t understand what she had done wrong.

“Your Highness, I don’t know what I did to upset you,” she said softly, sounding hurt.

“I haven’t visited Xiyan Palace for ten days. Are you upset?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

“I wouldn’t dare, Your Highness. You are free to go wherever you like. I wouldn’t complain,” she replied, lowering her gaze respectfully.

Jun Zechen looked at her, unimpressed by her seemingly innocent words.

This woman was skilled at acting pitiful.

“No complaints? Then do you want an heir?” he asked, pressing her.

Su Jingyao hesitated. How could she say she didn’t want an heir? That would go against the Empress’s wishes and might harm her family.

“Does Your Highness dislike me so much? I know you love my sister and don’t expect your favor,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

“But the imperial edict for our marriage says I’m to bear your heir. How could I say I don’t want that?”

Her eyes shimmered with tears as she looked at him, her lip trembling as she held back her emotions.

Jun Zechen’s gaze darkened. Even now, she was playing the victim.

“Then why did you go to Kunning Palace today? Wasn’t it for the heir?” he demanded.

“I went because the Empress summoned me. I had no choice,” she explained softly, her voice full of helplessness.

Jun Zechen frowned, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. Had he misunderstood her?

---

In the past, the Empress never got involved in his harem matters.

When he married Lingyue, he brought her to pay respects to the Empress, but she dismissed them, saying that managing the harem was his responsibility. She also mentioned that dealing with palace concubines was already exhausting, so the Crown Princess didn’t need to visit her often.

Could it be that the Empress didn’t stay out of his affairs because she didn’t care, but because she truly disliked Lingyue?

Su Jingyao had only been in the Eastern Palace for ten days, yet the Empress summoned her personally. She even sent Aunt Jinhua to the Emperor to have him reprimand Jun Zechen.

“What did you do at Kunning Palace?”

Jun Zechen’s tone had softened slightly.

“I just spoke with the Empress briefly, then… returned to my palace,” Su Jingyao said, lowering her head. Her gaze flickered, and a few strands of hair fell against her cheek.

“I heard you were there for almost the entire afternoon. What exactly did you talk about?” Jun Zechen asked, staring at her intently.

The Empress already disliked Lingyue, and if Su Jingyao acted pitiful, it would only make things worse.

But both the Empress and Lingyue were important to him, and he didn’t want them to stay at odds.

“Your Highness, I swear I didn’t say anything to upset the Empress,” Su Jingyao said softly. Her voice sounded helpless, and her expression was sincere.

Jun Zechen frowned, still unsure.

Su Jingyao looked up slightly, her bright eyes full of emotion as if pleading with him to believe her.

Inside, though, she hoped he’d keep questioning her. If he stopped now, how could she continue her act?

“If you don’t tell me the truth, do you think I won’t ask or investigate myself?” Jun Zechen said, his tone carrying a faint threat.

Su Jingyao looked hesitant and lowered her head again.

Finally, she sighed and said softly,

“The Empress asked me to copy The Rules for Women ten times before I could leave.”

Jun Zechen raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Why would the Empress make you copy The Rules for Women ten times? Did you offend her?”

Su Jingyao silently cursed him. Who really upset your mother? Don’t you have a clue?

“Your Highness, it’s my fault. I haven’t been able to give you an heir,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. Her watery eyes glimmered with unshed tears.

Hearing this, Jun Zechen’s eyes narrowed. He realized why the Empress had summoned Su Jingyao.

The Empress must have found out he had never been intimate with Su Jingyao and summoned her to ask about it. Su Jingyao, being gentle and submissive, had probably upset the Empress, prompting her to send Aunt Jinhua to complain to the Emperor.

Jun Zechen’s expression became complicated as he looked at the beautiful woman before him.

She had endured his misunderstandings and the Empress’s criticism. Her eyes were teary, but she stubbornly bit her lip, refusing to cry.

She seemed delicate, but there was a quiet strength in her.

“I misunderstood you. I understand Mother’s intentions now. Tonight, I’ll stay at Xiyan Palace,” Jun Zechen said calmly.

After a brief pause, he added, “But I won’t touch you.”

His voice was gentler than before, but his words still carried a cold edge.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Su Jingyao replied, bowing respectfully like an obedient doll.

But beneath her lowered head, a faint, mocking smile appeared on her face. Who wants you to touch me? It’s better if you don’t. In the future, don’t even beg me.

After everything that happened today, it was almost time for dinner.

Su Jingyao softly asked,

“Your Highness, have you eaten yet?”

Jun Zechen frowned and replied,

“Not yet.”

“Then let me have a meal prepared for you. I’m worried you won’t like the food I usually eat,” she said gently, her voice full of concern.

Jun Zechen frowned slightly in doubt. He could eat palace delicacies or simple rations, so how could he not adapt to her meals?

Besides, could the food in the Eastern Palace really be lacking?

“No need. I’ll eat with you,” he said.

“In that case, I’ll have the meal brought in right away,” Su Jingyao replied with a bow.

Jun Zechen nodded.

The Empress had made the Emperor reprimand him in person today, so he couldn’t avoid staying at Xiyan Palace in the future.

The thought left him feeling a bit helpless.

Su Jingyao left to have the meal prepared.

The servants moved quickly, carefully placing dish after dish on the table.

The first dish was Eight Treasures Soup, fragrant and nourishing. Next came Jade Phoenix Soup, with its fresh and vibrant ingredients.

There was also fish maw with codonopsis, tender and flavorful, followed by sea cucumber soup, rich and hearty.

Other dishes included angelica and red date pork ribs, yellow stone bass, peach gum and papaya dessert, and arrowroot with flower beans.

In no time, twelve dishes were neatly arranged on the table.

Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen sat silently across from each other.

At first, Jun Zechen waited quietly. He wanted to see what kind of food his side consort ate daily that made her say he wouldn’t be used to it.

---

As the dishes were brought to the table, Jun Zechen noticed and raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling puzzled.

Once all the dishes were served, he couldn’t help but ask, “Do you eat this every day?”

Su Jingyao smiled gently and answered,

“Your Highness, I’ve been weak since childhood, so I drink Eight Treasures Soup every day to help my health.”

She pointed to a dish and said,

“This Jade Phoenix Soup is great for improving skin tone. Even though I’m delicate, my complexion is still good.”

She then looked at him with a playful smile.

Jun Zechen looked at her carefully. Her skin, free of makeup, looked flawless and fresh, and her eyes shone brightly.

She really did look healthy and beautiful.

She continued,

“This dish is arrowroot with flower beans, which is good for softening the skin and lightening the complexion.”

She then playfully pouted her lips and asked,

“Do you think I’m fair-skinned?”

Jun Zechen was struck by how soft and smooth her hands were. He nodded slightly and said,

“Yes.”

Su Jingyao’s face turned a little red, and she lowered her head shyly.

“The rest of the dishes are also good for beauty… and for fuller breasts,” she added in a soft voice.

Jun Zechen’s sharp ears heard her clearly. His eyes involuntarily glanced at her chest, but quickly turned away, feeling embarrassed.

His face flushed slightly, and he awkwardly asked,

“You’re already beautiful—why use all these things?”

As soon as he said it, he regretted it, realizing it might have sounded like a compliment.

Hearing him praise her, Su Jingyao blushed even more. Her cheeks turned pink like a sunset, and she looked shy.

She replied softly,

“Since I was young, I’ve always loved beauty. I’ve gotten used to eating like this and don’t like greasy or salty food.”

She was very strict with herself about her appearance and figure.

When her mother first heard about her strict routine of special meals and medicinal baths, she was shocked.

Su Jingyao added gently,

“Your Highness, if you’re not used to these, I can have something else prepared for you.”

“No need, this is fine,” he replied.

So, they began eating.

Su Jingyao ate gracefully, as if she were a gentle breeze.

Her maid, Miaoxue, served her with care, knowing her preferences well.

Miaoxue first served her two spoonfuls of Eight Treasures Soup. Su Jingyao smelled the soup before taking a sip.

After finishing the soup, she ate a piece of pork rib, chewing slowly and elegantly.

Miaoxue then served her two spoonfuls of Jade Phoenix Soup, which she drank slowly, savoring each sip. She then ate some fish and other herbs, taking her time.

Jun Zechen ate, but kept glancing at Su Jingyao. He couldn’t help but notice how differently she ate—every bite was slow and deliberate, and though she didn’t eat much, she took her time.

He couldn’t help but watch her, feeling intrigued.

Su Jingyao noticed his gaze and asked,

“What is it?”

Jun Zechen shook his head and stayed silent, waiting for her to finish.

When she was done, she drank some Angelica Silver Ear Tea, which soothed her throat. Then, she rinsed her mouth with the liquid Miaoxue handed her, spitting it out with grace.

Finally, the meal was over.

That night, Jun Zechen realized more about Su Jingyao. She had never known hardship. Her lifestyle wasn’t just luxurious, but carefully refined.

He remembered that he had a beautiful dress for her in his storeroom, a gift from a foreign envoy last year. The dress was elegant but very ornate, and since Ling Yue preferred simpler styles, he had kept it in storage.